Last updated on May 30th, 2024 at 05:31 pm
Building or remodeling a structure is never a simple undertaking— regardless if it’s for use by your family or by a business. You need to consider costs, local regulations, zoning guidelines, permits, and a host of other factors. It takes a lot of experience and skill to successfully start and finish a project, whether it’s a structural expansion or the construction of an entirely new building. To help make this tedious job easier, our editorial team has put together a list of the best construction companies in California. These companies were selected based on their expertise with multifamily projects, their exposure in the media, their many years in business, and the impressive awards that they have received.
Next Stage Design + Build
2157 O’Toole Ave. Suite #70, San Jose, CA 95131
Next Stage Design + Build is a full-service remodeling firm that caters to clients in Santa Clara County. The firm offers in-house design and project management services from the initial phases of the project all the way through project completion. The firm is made up of highly skilled professionals and experienced craftsmen who provide a one-stop solution for remodels and repairs. It also guarantees a two-year warranty on all of its projects.
Next Stage Design + Build is owned by Jim Kabel, who is a Master Certified Remodeler (MCR) and a Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM). Kabel obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the California State Polytechnic University, and has since gained 17 years of industry experience. Under his leadership, the firm has received a number of impressive awards, including the 2021 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Meta Platinum Award, for its work on a 1930s house in San Juan, and the 2019 NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) Regional Award for its work in Los Gatos. The firm has also been featured in publications including Qualified Remodeler Magazine, Bay Living Magazine, and 95120 Magazine.
The California Tropic Kitchen is among the firm’s impressive projects. The client wanted to move the kitchen to the location of the living room, which required the firm to completely revamp the space. The new kitchen features a traditional theme with an intricate wood design and a multi-toned color scheme.
May Construction
115 Phelan Ave. Suite #3, San Jose, CA 95112
May Construction is a design-build firm in the Santa Clara Valley that specializes in full home, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling, as well as room additions. Greg May, who is a Universal Design Certified Remodeler (UDCR), owns the firm. His father trained him in the construction industry, and May continues his family tradition through his work at May Construction.
An excellent project by the firm is this Almaden Valley family home remodel. The renovation involved the installation of sophisticated lighting fixtures, as well as handcrafted, made-to-order, custom cabinets. A hidden pantry and the intricate subway tile backsplash add texture, pattern, and personality to the suburban kitchen. An eye-catching wood beam contributes architectural interest, while the contrast of the large deep blue custom island brings stylish drama to the space.
Sapir Construction
1043 Garland Ave. Unit C #933, San Jose, CA 95126
Sapir Construction has been working on home remodels in the Bay area for more than 14 years. The firm specializes in new home construction, exterior renovation, and kitchen, bathroom, and interior remodeling. Sapir also builds in a large range of styles, including traditional, contemporary, and modern.
Under the leadership of Moris Sapir, the firm applies a hands-on approach to every project. Regardless of project size or complexity, the firm deploys teams composed of project managers, superintendents, and craftsmen, and carefully selects subcontractors and manufacturers that can meet the specific design aspirations and functional requirements of its clients. The company also utilizes a customized remodeling process to build strong working relationships with its clients, which has helped it establish itself as one of the most trusted and reputable construction contractors and remodeling experts in California.
Elite Custom Homes
1759 E Clubhouse Dr. Fresno, CA 93730
Elite Custom Homes has created over 300 custom homes since its founding in 1984. Principals Gary Gomes, Jr. and LeRoy Goossen, Jr. own and operate the firm together. Gomes, who holds a degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo, oversees design and customer contact for the firm. Goosen, on the other hand, who graduated from California State University at Fresno, spearheads construction coordination, inspections, and follow-ups.
Among the things that the firm is known for are the facts that all designs are created in-house and that the firm designs an individual program for each client. This program includes exact budgeting, full construction drawings, full interior design services, and personalized assistance in all stages of construction, so that each client understands the full process and retains transparency with the builders.
This Tuscan Villa is one project completed by the team at Elite Custom Homes. The villa was built with brick arches, a floating staircase, and barrel vault ceilings. Its open-corner kitchen features antiqued two-tone cabinets, as well as contrasting granite countertops. The ascending height upper cabinets and tray ceiling make the space feel taller than it is.
Dodson Builders
7940 N. Maple Ave. Suite #109, Fresno, CA 93720
Established 10 years ago by Peter Dodson, Dodson Builders is an EPA and California Contractors State License Board-certified building firm. Apart from its expertise in a variety of remodeling services, the team at Dodson Builders believes in giving back to the community, and has several collaborations with non-profit programs. These include offering free construction services for homes of owners who can’t afford it, and equipping youth for their futures by training and placing students in the construction industry.
Since its founding in 2012, one of the firm’s most notable projects has been this kitchen remodel. The kitchen was completely removed and rebuilt into the dining room space, and the refurbishment extended into the dining and living room. The main living areas now contain a white Carrera quartz countertop, new tile flooring, and high-grade, pre-fabricated cabinets. The firm also re-surfaced the fireplace with tile and installed two large sliding glass doors.
Kitchell
9330 Scranton Rd. Suite #100, San Diego, CA 92121
Kitchell is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited general contracting firm with over 70 years of experience in the contracting business. Though it began as solely a commercial contracting firm, it has since grown to include more industries in order to remain a competitive, privately-held firm. It is now the holding company for many other firms, both those that are part of its main business and those that operate independently.
The corporation is led by President and CEO Jim Swanson, and its contracting arm is headed by Steve Whitworth. Whitworth is a DBIA-designated professional and obtained an Advanced Program Management certification through the Associated General Contractors of America. He manages Kitchell’s growing market in custom homes and in the healthcare, retail, hospitality, and education sectors. He and the company’s talented team of professionals aim to use a variety of innovative industry technologies and approaches to every project they complete.
As an expert in the retail sector, Kitchell has extensive experience building spaces that grow to become central to cities and towns, such as the Red Maple Village—the dominant neighborhood shopping destination of South Tracy, and the home to major tenants including Raley’s, Wells Fargo, and Aldo’s Gelateria. The new market highlights the community’s western characteristics and strongly adds to its vibrant style and culture.
Suffolk
550 South Hope St. Suite #700, Los Angeles, CA 90071
In addition to offering construction management services, Suffolk Construction also does real estate capital investment, design, self-perform construction, technology start-up investment, and innovation research and development. As a national company with more than 2,400 employees, the firm has offices in Boston, New York, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Its clients come from a very wide variety of industries, and it also does work in the assisted living and affordable housing sectors.
Featured in Suffolk’s commercial portfolio is Flight at Tustin Legacy. This office campus features eleven buildings spread over a 20-acre site. These buildings include several four-story office buildings, a food hall, a conference center, and four custom-built and modern Butler-style buildings. Its neighborhood-like amenities include indoor and outdoor meeting facilities, fitness areas, and multiple on-site conference facilities.
MODAA Construction
15260 Ventura Blvd. Suite #1200-33 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
MODAA is an award-winning firm that provides clients throughout Los Angeles with a wide range of general contracting services. It has affiliations with important industry organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Green Building Council, which assures clients of its dedication to efficiency and sustainability on all of its projects. The firm’s work has also been featured in countless publications, including Architectural Digest and the Los Angeles Times.
Featured here is one of the firm’s best commercial endeavors. Located in West Hollywood, this project was completed in collaboration with Dan Brunn Architecture. It incorporates terrazzo flooring, curved terrazzo benches, and a large artistic outline of a Sasquatch using a lush green wall. The architect created a seamless design that simulated the feeling of natural light through the use of a Barrisol ceiling system.
